Just before the Second World War, Zero is employed as a new lobby boy at the Grand Budapest. M Gustave (Ralph Fiennes) plays a concierge, who likes to 'have his way' with old lay guests. When Madame D (Tilda Swinton), one of his many lovers, dies she leaves him 'boy with apple' a priceless painting. Her relatives are not happy about this. Turns out she was murdered and they accuse M Gustave of the crime. He is arrested and sent to prison.
This film was quite tough to describe, Anderson's films don't tend to have the most straight forward plot, but this adds to the craziness of the unpredictable plot. One part, they're in a prison, the next they're skiing in the Alps. Even in time, the film skips from the present, to the 1980s, then to the 1960s, then to the 1930s. Three temporal changes before we are introduced to the main characters. Audacious move Mr Anderson.
There are two easy ways to tell it's an Anderson film: the large cast and the pretty and OCD film sets. The cast includes (deep breath): Ralph Fiennes, Adrien Brody, Willem Dafoe, Jeff Goldblum, an unrecognisable Harvey Keitel, Tilda Swinton, Jude Law, Bill Murray, Edward Norton, Jason Schwartzman and Saoirse Ronan. Although it's not as distracting as it may seem, as each actor has a fully developed character, and unlike some of his other films, there are some great performances. Fiennes has the best performance, as the legendary concierge. With so many great performances, it's strange how newcomer, lobby boy 'Tony Revolori' steals the film (with Fiennes). 'Moonrise Kingdom' was a fantastic film, but was slightly let down by the wooden acting. 'The Grand Budapest Hotel' has no such problem.
I have never described film sets as OCD before, but Anderson's sets are the most colourful, quirkiest backdrops I have seen. A large part of the film is set outside, a new challenge for Anderson who has mostly dealt with intricate interiors. Each set, whether inside or outside, is incredible and unlike anything else. Mixing animation with detailed film sets, Anderson is the only director which appears to be improving with every film.
His individual aesthetic may appear 'hipster-ish', but they are the only type of film which combine rip-roaring entertainment with art, while maintaining excellent performances. I guess the only thing wrong with this movie is that it ended.
TO CONCLUDE
Hilarious, quirky and endlessly re-watchable. Highly recommended.
SCORE
84
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